SMAD4 deletion promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) expression of C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 15 (CCL15) and recruits the CCR1 TAN (CCL15-CCR1 axis) with arginase-1 (ARG-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activities, thereby forming a pre-metastatic niche for disseminated tumor cells (e. This evidence concerns the gene MMP9 and colorectal cancer.